Wedding Planning Information

Perhaps more than any other occasion in your life, the events of your wedding day will come together to create an unforgettable, personal narrative that celebrates your love and crystallizes your dreams for the future. Although it may prove easy to get lost in the moment as you laugh, cry, eat and drink, the path that will lead you there is filled with uncertainty … uncertainty that can be easily navigated with the help of our sophisticated team of wedding professionals. See below for the answers to some frequently-asked-questions and tips for making the most of your journey!

In China, the Labor Day holiday, National Day holiday and weekends in May and October are the most popular dates for wedding celebrations and in some cases are reserved two years in advance. Other dates are typically available on shorter notice. The Ladies and Gentlemen of the hotel’s Wedding Team will be pleased to advise you on availability.

In order to ensure the quality and quantity of food offered at your celebration, the Catering Department requires an exact number of guests at least 72 hours prior to the start of the event. Since this is how many meals will be prepared, this figure will be considered a guarantee and will be billed in total even if fewer guests actually attend your event.

A Wedding Coordinator will instill your celebration with a level of professionalism, confidence and poise that is difficult to achieve without expert support. In addition to helping you to achieve your inner vision in terms of design and organization, Wedding Coordinators will furthermore assist with:

Etiquette and protocol for your ceremony

A “Wedding Day Timeline” with which to organize yourself and your wedding party

Recommendations for outside professionals such as florists, musicians, photographers and designers

Consultation on menu and beverage selections

Guidance through your menu tasting and consolidating your thoughts

Overseeing the “behind the scenes” operation of your event while you enjoy the festivities

In addition to the comprehensive planning and execution of your wedding celebration, the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wedding Team can assist in acquiring hand-picked accouterments to reflect your personal style, vision and character. Such “personal touches” might include authentic Chiavari chairs; specialty linens, base plates and bespoke menu cards; thoughtful welcome baskets for guests; intimate gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen and much more—let your imagination be your guide!

The Wedding Team will help you to transform your artistic vision into elegant table centerpieces created by our in-house florist, while simultaneously sourcing top-quality flowers from outside providers with which to line the ballroom’s aisles and stage.

Legal Considerations

The minimum age for marriage in China is 22 for males and 20 for females. Marriage licenses will be issued by the Civil Affairs Office of Guangzhou.

Chinese nationals applying for a marriage license must provide:

A birth certificate

An ID card

Proof of legal ability to marry

Foreigners applying for a marriage license are generally required to submit at minimum:

A valid passport with a valid Chinese visa

A notarized “Affidavit of Marriageability” proving that the individual is legally free to marry

In the case of individuals who have been previously married, original or certified documents supporting the divorce, annulment decree or death of the individual’s spouse

Each couple applying for marriage must supply at least three “marriage photos” of the couple, together on a red background, and a registration fee of RMB 9 (net). Please note that Civil Affairs Office personnel may require additional documentation before issuing a marriage license.

Let us ensure that every memory of your wedding will last a lifetime. We invite you to explore our ‘Love · Times’ wedding show in August, 2014.